MARCHING in unison, the modern-day Anzac spirit lived on at Kapooka on Friday - the army's most important day.
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In a stroke of coincidence, the programmed march-out for two groups of soliders - after 80 days of training - at the Army Recruit Training Centre (ARTC) fell yesterday.
See photos from the march out here.
The recruits from the 35 and 36 Platoon, were told by their reviewing officer, Lieutenant Colonel Glen Ryan, CSC, that they had joined a long line of Australians who have served, and continue to serve, the nation.
"You are carrying on the tradition of the army's values ... that those brave Anzacs showed as they stormed the beaches of Gallipoli 99 years ago," Lieutenant Colonel Ryan said.
"This is your first Anzac Day in uniform, one I think you will not forget.
"You are the latest to take your place in the long khaki line that stretches from Gallipoli to Kokoda, through Korea and Vietnam to our modern day operations.
"You are our future, the future of the Anzacs."
As the soliders prepared to walk out the gates at the "Home of the Soldier" - and onto further training - ARTC Commandant, Colonel Stephen Jobson, said the parade falling on Anzac Day gave an insight into the constant nature of the vital role they play.
"It's the essence of soldiering ... soldiers today are marching out, the staff of the first recruit training battalion are working," Colonel Jobson said.
"This really typifies what it means to be an Australian soldier; that is selfless duty to our nation 24/7, 365 days a year - that's what soldiering is all about."
An estimated 700 family members, from across the country, were on hand to witness the milestone.